A simple thank you can help you stand out!
A secret weapon for job search and professional development isn’t so secret; it’s the thank you note! As fast as life moves these days in the digital age, a simple thing like saying thank you can help you stand out. For your thank you to be received in a positive way, make sure it’s timely, customized, and sincere. read more
Three types of cover letters to avoid!
A cover letter is widely accepted as part of the official application process for a job. The overall purpose of a cover letter is to formally submit your candidacy for a position in writing and highlight your qualifications. Do employers read them? Some do, but some do not. Regardless, if an application requires a cover letter, you must submit one. That said, there are a few types of cover letters that you should avoid. read more
Three things you can do to enhance your career in one week.
A one-week career initiative can lead to new and exciting opportunities. How can you make an impact in just one week? It’s all about assessment, connection, and building your critical assets. read more
Resolutions for the new year that will help your career!
How do you create and achieve effective new year’s resolutions? That’s the million-dollar question that many people ponder as one year comes to a close and another approaches. It’s natural to look forward with anticipation, but also possibly trepidation. One aspect of life that can come under scrutiny is your career. Whether you are looking for a job for the first time, want a change, or are satisfied in your current role, there are opportunities to create new year’s resolutions that can boost your career. So regardless of your career status, read on to learn how resolutions related to your key career tools, network, and LinkedIn can enhance your career as you look to 2018. read more
How you can stand out (in a positive way) at a career fair?
A career fair brings job seekers and employers together in a forum to connect, although they do so for different reasons. Employers participate to promote their companies/organizations, screen potential employees, and identify viable candidates. Job seekers participate to learn more about companies/organizations, promote themselves as candidates, and make valuable professional connections. Although career fairs feature competition for both employers who are seeking great candidates and candidates who are trying to land jobs, in many cases job seekers feel more pressure when attending these events. It’s important for a candidate to make a good impression, as an employer will use the exchange to make an initial hiring decision. How can you stand out, in a positive way, at a career fair? read more
Make the most of LinkedIn with a comprehensive and engaging All Star profile!
LinkedIn, a professional networking site, is an amazing tool for professionals and students regardless of career field or interest. To make the most of your LinkedIn presence, it’s important to create a comprehensive and engaging profile. A great profile will allow you to showcase your qualifications and career aspirations via your online presence/professional brand, attract more quality connections, and rank higher in LinkedIn searches. Follow these steps to build your LinkedIn profile! read more
A reference will always say something nice about you, right? Wrong!
Each company or organization invests significant resources into new hires, and the act of checking references is one way to gain critical information about a candidate before sending out that offer letter. Although a candidate can look great on paper, in reality that person may not be a fit with a company’s professional needs or culture. By checking professional references, potential employers connect with people that will vouch for a candidate’s qualifications and even character. Selecting and submitting a reference can enhance or damage your candidacy. As a former recruiter, I encountered quite a few references that said negative things about the candidates in question. Their feedback absolutely influenced my hiring decisions, and not in a good way. Here are some tips about how you can ensure that your references will help you get the job! read more
Ways to avoid an online job scam
More people than ever are using the web to search for jobs, network, and identify ways to build their careers. There is so much great information out there that is accessible with just a few clicks of your mouse! While it’s tempting to dive into an online job search, take a minute to consider the risk involved when it comes to sharing your information and connecting with people virtually. To stay safe, make sure you protect your personal information, do your research, and make smart choices given the information you access. read more
How can career assessments add value to your career decisions?
While some people feel that career assessments are invaluable, others find them useless. How can you tell if they are right for you? As a career professional, I believe career assessments are valuable tools that can be used to help you create and execute an effective career strategy. However, there’s a catch. In order to be valid, they must be completed, interpreted, and applied correctly. There are no easy answers or a one-stop shop that will reveal your “perfect” career. The following is an overview of different types of career assessments, how they should be completed, and in what way you should utilize the results to make sound career decisions. read more
Need more experience to land that job? Here’s how to get it!
It’s a catch-22. You need experience to get a job, but if you don’t have a job how will you get that experience? Employers value experience when it comes to assessing candidates because it illustrates that an employee can perform desired duties and tasks, hopefully at a high level (that’s why it’s important to showcase accomplishments on your resume). The good news is there are many ways that you can gain experience that aligns with the skills and abilities affiliated with your target jobs. That’s right, full-time employment is not the only way to gain professional experience! Whether you are a college student or seasoned employee, you can gain valuable professional experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, and project work. read more